Recap: Bruins’ slow first period results in loss to Vegas

After a very successful road trip, the Boston Bruins fell flat at home on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights, losing 4-1.

Patrice Bergeron was the lone goal scorer while Jeremy Swayman did not have his best night in net, stopping just 21 of the 25 shots he faced.

The loss came without Brad Marchand and Craig Smith who were placed in COVID protocols. Boston dropped to 14-9-2 on the season while Vegas keeps rolling, winners of five of their last six.

1st period

Vegas had a strong start to the period and got some early puck luck. A shot form the point by Shea Theodore deflected off Derek Forbort and got past Swayman.

With less than five minutes left in the first, Max Pacioretty was sent in all alone and beat Swayman five-hole to extend the lead to two.

What a great pass by Chandler Stephenson, who ended the night with three assists.

Vegas was even able to snag another goal with one second left in the first. Jonathan Marchessault attempted a pass that also got deflected past Swayman. Another unlucky bounce for the Bruins and they found themselves down 3-0 after 20.

2nd period

Didn’t take long for Vegas to extend the lead to 4-0. Pacioretty ripped another shot from far out than Swayman certainly would like back. And just like that, the Bruins were down four goals for the first time this season.

3rd period

The Bruins did get a boost in the opening seconds of the third period as Bergeron found space in front for a one-timer.

But that was all the B’s could muster. Lehner shut the door and the Bruins fell 4-1.

Notes

• Not the best night all around for anyone. I mean, did anyone really stand out for playing well? Not really sure
• Particularly bad night for Nick Foligno. Just bad decisions that led to turnovers constantly. He certainly is not living up to his contract
• Swayman had a rough go of it. Both Pacioretty goals he would like back. But the other two were off deflections. He’d been playing really well leading into Tuesday so a dud like this isn’t shocking
• Not a lot of chances and shots generated until late in the third when it was too late
• Taylor Hall showed flashes that he can help overtake a game, but he needs to play with playmakers like Pastrnak to do so. The two play real well together when they are together
• How the hell did John Moore of all players led the Bruins in time on ice?

Well not much else to add. An overall dud of a performance. Bruins head over the border again to take on the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens this week. Two winnable games even with Marchand and Smith.